Every dog owner knows the action — the itching, scratching, head shaking of their pup means that something is in their ear. Whether it’s an ear infection or just some “gunk” that needs to be cleaned out, dog owners need an effective homemade dog ear cleaner that will solve their pup’s problems.
Keep reading to discover a recipe for a great homemade dog ear cleaner, plus some helpful information about cleaning dogs’ ears.
What Is the Most Effective Homemade Dog Ear Cleaner?
Keeping your dog’s ears clean is easy to do with a homemade cleaner.
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While there’s not a “one size fits all” for ear cleaners — as all dogs have different anatomy and different needs — a handy and reliable solution is a combination of apple cider vinegar, distilled water, rubbing alcohol, and tea tree oil.
To make the cleaner, you’ll want to combine a half cup of apple cider vinegar with a half cup of distilled water and a fourth cup of rubbing alcohol. Make sure you use distilled water, not tap, to ensure it’s only hydrogen and oxygen. You can add the oil if you’d like, but it’s optional. If you want to sub out the oil for a different essential oil, make sure it’s pet-friendly.
Looking for something simpler? Dr. Kirsten Ronngren, DVM MRCVS from ManyPets provided an easy-to-use recipe. “A simple 50/50 mixture of distilled water and white vinegar is a good at-home option for anyone looking to clean the flap of their dog’s ears. I recommend putting the solution on a cotton ball and rubbing the cotton ball inside the ear flap.”
How To Clean a Dog’s Ears
Cleaning a dog’s ears isn’t too hard, as long as they’re comfortable with you touching them.
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Once you have the cleaner ready to go, it’s very simple to apply.
- Settle your dog and let them sniff the pad and/or solution you’re about to use.
- Soak a pad or cotton ball with the solution.
- Clean out your dog’s ears, being careful not to push too far into the ear or drain too much liquid straight into the canal.
- Use a dry pad or cotton ball to completely dry out the ear.
- Monitor your dog’s behavior for any changes or irritation.
If your dog has an ear infection, it’s best to consult your veterinarian first before attempting an at-home treatment.
Why Do Dogs Need Ear Cleaner?
Dogs easily develop itchy ears or ear infections, especially in months with extreme weather or if they’re playing a lot with other animals. Ear cleaners help to prevent an overactive buildup of dirt, debris, and wax that can lead to an infected ear.
Precautions and Challenges to Cleaning Your Dog’s Ears
Dog ears need veterinary care if there’s an excess of gunk, ear mites, or discharge.
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Dog owners should clean their dogs’ ears on a weekly, monthly, or quarterly basis (depending on how much they need cleaning) — but with the understanding of what not to do and when.
- It’s not enough to just wipe down the pinna, or the outer ear flap.
- You should never clean your dogs’ ears with a Q-tip.
- Only reach your finger or a cotton ball as far as it is comfortable in your dog’s ear — don’t force anything into an ear canal.
- Pouring liquid into your dog’s ears is a steady process. Fluids can get stuck or affect their movements if you pour too much or don’t drain it.
- Active ear infections need a veterinarian to care for and treat. The homemade solution won’t always kill the bacteria causing it.
Itch Be Gone
Ear clears help dogs keep the right bacteria and “gunk” in their ears. Without any earwax, a dog’s ears remain unprotected from external stimuli like microorganisms, dirt, and other things. Earwax also protects the tissue of the inner ear. However, too much can cause irritation or an infection, so having an at-home effective solution to clean your dog’s ears when it’s time makes life easier for both of you.
